Posts tagged “Missing teeth”

Having a missing tooth, for whatever reason, can be an embarrassing and unpleasant situation. Not only does it have an adverse affect on confidence and esteem because of its negative aesthetic appearance, but it can also cause a variety of dental health and muscle problems if not replaced. Along with partial dentures and dental implants, the other major restoration available is a dental bridge.

A dental bridge literally involves bridging the gap of the missing tooth using dental crowns for support and an artificial tooth called a pontic. They rely on the patient having reasonably healthy teeth on either side of the missing tooth to which the crowns can be attached. A Central London dentist will fit a dental bridge over the course of several appointments, first installing the crowns and a temporary bridge, when satisfied with the crowns, the dentist can then fix the artificial tooth, usually made of porcelain, which is slightly embedded in the gum to give it a more realistic appearance.

There are other types of dental bridge that can be used in certain situations. If the teeth are in particularly good condition and the dentist does not want to remove any enamel to fit a crown, the pontic can be supported by resin bonded strips. If there are only existing teeth on one side of the gap, a cantilever bridge can be used by attaching two or more crowns on that side for support. Dental bridges can last up to ten years if properly maintained. They are not the most sturdy of the dental replacements but they are one of the most affordable.

As dental technology improves with the increased use of computer aided design and manufacture dentists are able to achieve more realistic and lifelike results. One aspect of dentistry that has significantly improved over recent years is the manufacture of dentures. In the past dentures have often been poorly made and fitted and at best only partially lifelike. Perhaps because of this, dentures always seemed to have a stigma attached and were often a source of great embarrassment for wearers. Fortunately this seems to be becoming a thing of the past, relegated to the dental dustbin.

Dentures are required when a patient has lost some or all the teeth in a dental arc. This could be due to periodontal disease or tooth decay, or even as the result of some kind of head trauma. Whatever the cause, tooth loss can be very embarrassing causing several psychological issues such as loss of confidence or self-esteem. But missing teeth affect more than just a patient’s emotional state. Missing teeth in a dental arc can cause remaining teeth to lean or slide into the space. This can cause disruption in bite which can be irritating and even be the cause of painful jaw disorders called TMJ.

Cosmetically, teeth act as supports for much of the facial tissue which will sag if not held in place by teeth. This sunken appearance makes patients look much older than they are and can become permanent if the teeth are not replaced soon after they are lost.

Dentures are artificial sets of teeth that, if fitted correctly should stay attached to the gums by suction alone. Often, if dentures are ill-fitting they can fall out causing embarrassment to the wearer. Many patients resort to wearing sticky and messy dental adhesive gels or strips for extra security. It is now possible to attach dentures using a series of mini implants secured to the jawbone. This provides the added security hat denture patients need without the mess.

It is important for denture wearers to keep up regular visits to the dentist as dentures can cause gum irritation and even erosion that can be very damaging. A London dentist will be able to offer further advice about the benefits and possibilities of dentures.

There are many reasons why a patient may have lost some or all of their teeth. It could be the result of periodontal disease, or tooth decay. It may even be the result of an accident or head trauma. Whatever the reason, having missing teeth can be a source of great embarrassment and cause self-confidence issues. Just as importantly though, having missing teeth can have a negative impact on profile and can ultimately lead to sagging of the facial tissue. For these reasons it is very important to replace the teeth with dentures, or a partial denture if only a few teeth are missing.

Dentures, which act as a removable substitute for teeth, have had a stigma attached to them over the years but this is becoming less of a factor. Technological advances have meant that dentures have vastly improved in quality and appearance. A set of dentures today will look and feel a lot more realistic than the dentures of the past. Modern dentures are normally made from acrylic resins, but a whole new range is being introduced called Valplast flexible dentures. Ask your London dentist about the new ranges of incredibly realistic and comfortable dentures.

If your dentures are constructed accurately, the suction alone should be enough to keep them securely in place. For dentures that are not as well fitted, it may be necessary for some patients to use denture adhesive. Some patients just feel more comfortable knowing that their dentures are secured. But adhesive can be messy and make the eating of certain foods more or less impossible. More and more patients these days are opting for dentures secured by rigid dental implants. This can really provide the security and extra confidence that some denture wearers need.

Dentures are fairly resistant to staining and wear, but they will last longer if they are properly cared for. Removing dentures at night and brushing them twice a day like regular teeth will help to prolong their life. A London dentist will also be able to offer professional denture cleaning services at your regular six-monthly check up. It is important to maintain these visits even if you have no teeth remaining. Dentures can become ill fitting due to changes in the mouth and gum erosion and may need refitting by the dentist for maximum comfort and security.

There are a number of dental procedures available to replace a missing tooth, but among the most realistic is a dental implant. Because it is anchored directly to the jawbone itself, it can offer a greater degree of stability than a dental bridge or conventional crown.

For patients with missing teeth, it can often be a great source of embarrassment that can affect self-confidence and cause self-esteem issues. This can be a significant hindrance, especially considering that smiling is one of the most effective ways of communicating emotions. A dental implant could be the answer when considering replacing a missing tooth.

The implant comes in the form of a small metal screw that is attached to the solid structure of the jaw. They are usually made from titanium or other metals of considerable strength suitable for use in the human body. It is this strength that makes them comparable to a real tooth. Dental implants have existed for some years but recent advances in technology have made them the option of choice for patients wanting to replace a missing tooth.

Once the screw is attached to the jaw it is left for approximately two weeks so that it has time to fuse with the bone and gums, in a process called osseointergration. When this has happened, the dentist will attach a post to the screw and then finally a solid crown to the screw. This added stability not only looks and feels more realistic but it can also help to prevent facial tissue sinking and profile loss, which can occur with other artificial teeth.

Dental implants are most suitable for patients who have existing strong bone structures and teeth, and so may not be suitable for all patients. Consult your City of London dentist and see if they can replace your missing tooth with a dental implant and you may be able to smile again with confidence.

Dental bridges are artificial teeth that are anchored onto existing teeth in order to restore the natural appearance of a full set. They can be used to fill one or more empty spaces in the tooth line. The artificial tooth is known as the pontic and fused between two crowns which are attached to teeth either side of the gap, forming a bridge between them.

Dental bridges are needed to help restore a healthy looking smile and appearance, but can also have some other cosmetic advantages. They can help improve bite by preventing the existing teeth on either side of the gap leaning into the space, which alters the way the top and bottom teeth sit together. In a similar way they can also help prevent any changes in profile brought about by missing teeth. Dental bridges can also help prevent gum disease by stopping food and bacteria accumulating in the gap.

There is several types of dental bridge, but the most commonly used is the traditional fixed bridge, where the pontic (usually ceramic) is anchored to the neighbouring teeth. These bridges are fixed and cannot be removed. Resin-bonded bridges are when a false two is banded to the neigbouring teeth with metal strips secured with resin. Cantilevered dental bridges are only used when there is only a tooth on one side of the gap, so the bridge must be anchored to more than one tooth on that side

The procedure usually involves several visits to the dentist where he will assess what bridge is most suitable and make a mold of the teeth. On successive appointments a City of London dentist will construct the bridge. This may take more than one procedure, as crowns may need to set before being attached to the artificial tooth.

With the correct care a dental bridge can last up to seven years, and can help improve the condition of the teeth and gums around it. Good standards of oral hygiene and regular dental check ups will prolong its life and leave you with the smile you always wanted.

Having one or more missing teeth can really affect your confidence to smile. More than that, it might be adversely affecting your bite (the way the top and bottom teeth sit together). In more extreme circumstances, it can cause speech impediments, increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay, and joint disorders such as TMJ.

It is also important to have missing teeth bridged to prevent existing teeth sliding into the space causing poor alignment and ultimately a poor profile. Dental also bridges protect against gum disease

One of the answers to missing teeth is a dental bridge. Dental bridges use artificial implants anchored to existing teeth to give the impression of a continued tooth line. The most common form of bridges are: the conventional bridge, where crowns are attached to teeth either side of the gap supporting the artificial tooth (like a bridge); the bonded bridge, when the adjacent teeth are in such good condition that the new tooth can be bonded to them with resin and metal strips; and the cantilevered bridge, when there are existing teeth on only one side of the gap. In the case of cantilevered bridges, the bridge will need to be attached to two or more teeth for stability.

Dental bridges can be fitted in two or visits to the dentist and if properly maintained will last between five and seven years. Their cost will vary according to the condition of the existing teeth and the type of bridge required by the patient. There is no need to suffer the embarrassment of missing teeth. Ask a London dentist about dental bridges.

If you are missing two or three adjacent teeth, you may feel that it is better to get a dental bridge as opposed to implants. Today, your London dentist can make these bridges, as well as ensure that they are as comfortable and attractive as possible. In most cases, you will be very surprised by the number of options that are available to you.

Consider a situation where you needed to have a number of front teeth removed. While you may feel relieved to have gotten rid of buck teeth, or overcrowded ones, you may still feel a bit upset to have a huge gaping hole in front of your mouth. On the other hand, if implants are beyond your budgetary means, you may find that you can afford to get dental bridges. Aside from being cheaper, you will also have an easier time chewing your foods properly. This will also help reduce placing an excessive burden on your existing natural teeth.

Even though you may develop one mechanism or another for dealing with missing teeth, eventually you will wind up with all kinds of dietary and health problems. Among other things, when you are missing your teeth, it is much harder to chew healthy foods such as nuts, raw fruits, and raw vegetables. This, in turn can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and many other problems.

It is very important to do what you can to have those teeth replaced. Regardless of whether you choose to get resin dental bridges or ones made of more durable material, you will look and feel much better. At the same time, you will also have peace of mind knowing that you can look forward to a future where you are not at such a high risk of developing health issues associated with missing teeth.

Chances are, if you need a root canal, you will want to have it done as soon as possible. For example, if you are on antibiotics, or the tooth is very painful, you may find that there aren’t any other options open to you. Today, dentists in London have some of the most advanced technologies and training available to ensure that your root canal goes as smoothly as possible.

Years ago, when individuals had a tooth or gum abscess, they would have the tooth removed. Unfortunately, this also caused many people to wind up in a situation where missing teeth caused all kinds of oral health and chewing problems. This situation is even worse when molars need to be treated. In most cases, a root canal is actually cheaper and better in the long run than dealing with extractions and implants.

Once the roots of your tooth have been treated with a root canal, you can look forward to chewing with that tooth for the rest of your life. On the other hand, if you have the tooth taken out, and then get implants, you may need to have them replaced every few years. In addition, there is no such thing as an implant or bridge that will work as well as your natural teeth when it comes to chewing food.

If you are concerned about the recovery period after a root canal, your dentist can give you painkillers, as well as other medications to keep you comfortable. Consider that it is not worth developing a life threatening infection simply because you are afraid to have a root canal. When you begin to weigh all of the risks and benefits, you will soon realize that any type of mouth infection should be a signal to see your dentist as quickly as possible.

A night guard is usually used by your London dentist to treat teeth grinding or bruxism. This has been the method of choice for a long time. You probably don’t even know that you grind your teeth. This usually occurs while you are asleep. It is not until your dentist tells you or possibly your partner hears you grind at night that you are aware of it. Some reasons why you grind your teeth include mal-positioned teeth, and tooth/teeth and/or skeletal discrepancies between your upper and lower jaws. Children usually grind their teeth while sleeping. This is primarily due to the arrangement of their baby teeth or when they have their adult teeth erupting into their mouths, and they are looking for a comfortable place where their teeth will meet each other. Following the eruption of secondary teeth into the oral cavity, this grinding usually stops. Your London dentist will perform a complete oral examination of your teeth and gums, take dental X-rays, and make study models of your teeth. They will then recommend their treatment. Grinding may not seem like a large problem to you, however if left untreated, it may result in more serious problems down the road (i.e., jaw, mouth, neck, face, and back pain). Defective fillings, missing teeth, misaligned teeth, and defective crowns/bridges, along with ill fitting removable full or partial dentures, can change your normal bite and cause you to grind your teeth while searching for a suitable resting place for your jaws. Your London dentist may opt to perform an occlusal equilibration, however may not do so until the wear and grinding patterns are shown on your night guard. So, actually, these night guards serve as both diagnostic aids for your dentist and treatment for teeth grinding for you. If a specialist is required to correct your teeth grinding, your London dentist will make the proper referral. .Visit your London Dental Clinic to see if you are grinding or if you need help correcting the problem.

Having a gap in your teeth could make anyone conscious of their smiles. Aside from the aesthetic aspect, missing teeth could actually result to bite problems such as malocclusion and TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder). One of the favorite solutions used by City of London dentists is dental bridge.

These dental bridges have been used for replacing lost teeth just like partial dentures and implants. There are actually three kinds: conventional, cantilever and resin-bonded.

• Conventional and cantilever – these types require the shaping of teeth surrounding the missing tooth. After, crowns will be placed and then attached to the artificial tooth.

• Resin-bonded – this type does not require much preparation of the surrounding tooth. For this reason, it is the preferred dental bridge for missing front teeth as long as the gums are quite healthy and the adjacent teeth have no extensive fillings.

The entire dental bridge procedure will usually require two to three visits.

• First Visit – your dentist will check your overall oral health to see if you are qualified for a dental bridge procedure.
• Second Visit – an impression of your teeth will be taken in order to allow the dental technician to precisely fabricate the dental bridge according to your needs. A temporary bridge will be fitted to protect your gums and teeth from further damage.
• Third Visit – the temporary bridge is removed and the permanent one is put in place.

The cost of a dental bridge can range between $1000 and $3000. Your City of London dentist will help you choose one that will meet your needs and at the same time, will not break the bank.